Class of 2010
Film and TV Production
Country – United Kingdom
IF YOU STUDIED YOUR UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME AT YORK ST JOHN UNIVERSITY OR FOUNDER COLLEGES, DID YOU GO ON TO POSTGRADAUTE STUDY?
No.
WHY HAVE YOU CHOSEN THIS PHOTO AS YOUR YSJ SNAPSHOT?
This picture of me filming Anthony Joshua represents how far I’ve come since my time at York St John. During my Film Production course, I learned the fundamentals of cinematography, production workflow, and working under pressure—skills I’ve since applied in professional settings I could only dream about as a student. Standing on set with a world-class athlete like Anthony Joshua demonstrates the progression from university projects to high-profile commercial work.
WHY WOULD YOU RECOMMEND YSJ TO SOMEONE?
I’d recommend YSJ for its hands-on, practical approach to Film Production. The course didn’t just teach theory; it put cameras in our hands from day one and encouraged us to experiment. The tutors were genuinely invested in our success, offering industry insights and honest feedback that shaped us as filmmakers. What I miss most is the creative freedom and collaborative energy: working late with coursemates on passion projects, and of course, York itself. As a history buff, I genuinely believe York is the best city in the UK.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YORK ST JOHN UNIVERSITY OR FOUNDER COLLEGES?
I chose York St John University for its reputation in hands-on Film Production and the quality of its facilities. The course stood out because it emphasized practical filmmaking from the start rather than purely academic study, which aligned perfectly with my career goals. Equally important was the location. York’s rich history and stunning architecture offered incredible backdrops for filming and constant creative inspiration.
WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING SINCE COMPLETING YOUR STUDIES?
Since completing my studies at YSJ, I’ve been working professionally in film and video production, filming projects all over the world. Most recently, I worked on a personal documentary project featuring Sir David Attenborough. I continue to work closely with my course mate Niall Trask on professional productions.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR SPECIFIC COURSE?
I chose Film Production because I wanted to pursue my ambition to become a music video director. I’ve always been fascinated by how music videos blend storytelling, cinematography, and rhythm to create powerful visual experiences. What made the course invaluable was the opportunity to explore different areas of film production beyond my primary focus. Documentary production became one of my favourite areas, teaching me authentic storytelling and observational techniques that strengthened my overall directing skills. The course offered the perfect foundation—teaching camera work, editing, lighting, and creative direction while encouraging experimentation. YSJ’s hands-on approach gave me both the technical expertise and creative vision needed for the industry, preparing me to work on diverse high-profile productions.
WHAT WERE THE BEST FEATURES OF YOUR COURSE?
The best feature of my course was the lasting relationships I’ve built and taken into my professional world. The collaborative nature of film production meant we were constantly working together on projects, forming bonds that went beyond the classroom. Many of my coursemates have become professional contacts, collaborators, and friends in the industry. Remarkably, one of my tutors actually became a colleague on professional productions after I graduated, which speaks to the calibre of teaching staff at YSJ.
WHAT ONE PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A CURRENT STUDENT, OR ONE ABOUT TO GRADUATE?
Understand that you don’t just come out of university and walk straight into your perfect job. It’s a slow process, and you often don’t realize your own growth until you look back at how far you’ve come. Be patient with yourself and stay persistent. Build and maintain your relationships; the people you study with today will be your collaborators and colleagues tomorrow. The film industry thrives on connections and trust, so treat every project as an opportunity to prove yourself. Don’t limit yourself to your specific ambition; explore different areas like I did with documentaries, as these skills will strengthen your primary passion and open unexpected doors. Say yes to opportunities even outside your comfort zone, and keep creating your own projects alongside professional work. Your technical skills are the foundation, but it’s your network, work ethic, and willingness to keep learning that will sustain your career.
To learn more about the film Radical Common Sense, featuring David Attenborough, watch the trailer here: